The music is a theme for Lois Lane, whose role in the film was performed by Margot Kidder. It was originally recorded as a pop-influenced piece, but as the original version might have dated the picture, a more orchestrated version was used for the final film.

It has been said that either Karen Carpenter (of The Carpenters) or Toni Tennille (of Captain and Tennille) were originally considered to perform the vocal, but there is no existing proof that either one actually did it. What is known is that the producers of Superman tried to get Margot Kidder herself to actually sing it but, according to the film’s director Richard Donner‘s commentary track for theSuperman DVD, “it didn’t sound right”. So it was decided that Kidder would recite the lyrics, and this vocal track is what was used for the final film version. Shortly after the film’s release, Maureen McGovern recorded a singing version of “Can You Read My Mind” for release as a single; this version does not appear in the film. (source: Wikipedia)

“Hands to Heaven“ is the title of a popular song released in 1987 and peaking on the charts in 1988 (see 1988 in music) by the British pop group Breathe. The song was written by group members David Glasper (lead vocals) and Marcus Lillington (guitar, keyboard).

Although it was released as the first single from the group’s debut album All That Jazz, “Hands to Heaven” was not Breathe’s debut single; the group had recorded and released songs prior to signing an album deal with A&M Records. One of these songs, “Don’t Tell Me Lies“, reached #77 on the UK Singles Chart in 1986 before being included on Breathe’s debut album and subsequently being reissued.

“Hands to Heaven” was, however, Breathe’s breakthrough hit in both the UK as well as the United States. The ballad peaked at #4 on the UK Singles Chart in August 1988.[1] In the US, it logged two weeks at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart that same month (kept from the summit by “Roll with It” by Steve Winwood) and spent 16 weeks in the Top 40.[2] “Hands to Heaven” also peaked at #2 on the Billboard adult contemporary chart.[3]

The song reached #4 in Norway and #14 in Sweden.[4]

This song was one of a number of singles, many by British and Australian bands, that helped to shape the smooth jazz radio format in the US in the mid to late 1980s. Other associated artists include Swing Out Sister, Johnny Hates Jazz, Icehouse and Sade. (source: Wikipedia)

One variant mixed from the original multitrack, “Lost in Your Eyes” (Piano and Vocal Mix/3:34), was only available in Europe as Track 3 of the CD3 release #A8970CD. The song is mentioned by name in Kimya Dawson‘s, “Caving in,” as the singer’s preferred alternative to “Unchained Melody“. (source: Wikipedia)

Bishop’s recording peaked at No. 25 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart on May 7, 1983, and spent eight weeks in the Top 40. It also spent two weeks at No. 1 on the adult contemporary chart in April the same year. (source: Wikipedia)